The 2018 Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA) are taking place at Randwick Racecourse this week, and here is everything you need to know about the industry’s night of nights.
This will be the 25th annual ALIAs, which this year is being hosted by IRI, who once again proved the data for the initial round of voting in the off-premise categories. ALIA is voted by the industry, for the industry and because these awards come from votes by industry peers, it makes being recognised all the more special. Full details of the ALIA voting process can be seen here.
The evening starts at 6pm, with pre-drinks by Coopers as the great and the good from the industry gather in the ballroom and balcony at the Racecourse for networking and catch-ups. There will also be networking bars from The Australian Brewery, Pimm’s, Treasury Wine Estates plus Vonu and Rum Co . of Fiji.
The opening entertainment will kick-off at 6.45pm, before the welcome and introduction commences at 7.15pm. Once again, ALIA favourite Shane Jacobson is back as the Master of Ceremonies for this year’s awards.
ALIA celebrates the best people, brands, products and venues of the last 12 months, but it is not just about the biggest sellers or the venues and outlets moving the most amount of stock. The awards recognise the best sales representation, marketing, incentives and services and are voted on by the trade for the trade, so all the finalists are there because of industry peers.
One thing that makes ALIA special is the different theme that is chosen each year and how those who attend get on-board with different costumes and really get into the spirit of the theme. With ALIA falling on 31 October, this year’s theme was a simple one – Halloween, and it’s definitely not too late to get yourself a costume. For those unable to secure a Halloween costume, ALIA is a Cocktail event.
To recognise all the effort that so many people go to, there are a number of Best Dressed Awards presented on the night. This year’s Best Dressed Team Award is sponsored by Asahi Premium Beverages, Bacardi-Martini Australia and Pimm’s, with hampers from each on offer. The Best Dressed Female Award is sponsored by, and features prizes from, BrightSide Executive Search, The Australian Brewery plus Vonu and Rum Co, of Fiji and the Best Dressed Male is sponsored by Aperol, The Australian Brewery and Treasury Wine Estates, with prizes from each.
In recognising the tremendous work of the whole Australian liquor industry, ALIA celebrates both the on- and off-premise and as such is attended by suppliers, producers, venues and outlets from all parts of the industry and from all over the country. There will be close to 600 people in the room, so there will be lots of opportunities for catching up with old friends and for networking across the night.
There are now a very limited number of tickets still available, so if you have not yet secured your spot, head to the ALIA website immediately to make sure you don’t miss out.
We look forward to seeing you there on Wednesday night and to celebrating another great year for the industry.